Android 4.4.4 successor, L increases battery life

Google might not have unveiled a new Nexus tablet or handset, but we got a sneak peak as to what software will power these new devices. Android L as it has been nicknamed will be the successor to Android 4.4.4, which was only recently released with no new features. However, the next version will be very different.

The reason for this is because there are to be several key Android L features, one that will help to increase battery life, and the other an overall improvement to its UI. We already hinted that the next version of Android, which we expect to be version 5.0 and to be named Lollipop will help increase battery life for supported devices, has now been confirmed.

Google said today that Android L will come with a feature called Project Volta, which when used could offer up to 90 minutes more battery life, although this will mean lowering the screen refresh rate, and so could affect gaming, meaning you will have to disable the battery saving feature.

However, Google did say that thanks to Project Volta app developers will be able to develop their apps around this feature. More details of this feature will become apparent when Android L Developer Preview is released tomorrow.

Engadget has an in-depth look at the new Android L UI, which is said to come with a flatter look, while also be more rounded, a lot like iOS 7, although we are sure the Android faithful will have nothing but good things to say, while they ridiculed Apple for doing the very same thing last year.